How Much Has to Happen Before U.S. Says “No” to Rio?

February 9, 2016 By

How Much Has to Happen Before U.S. Says “No” to Rio?

by Amy Lignor

You cannot ask the athletes. They deserve to go. They have worked so hard; they have dreams they have fought for, and the Olympic stage is THE elite stage they have longed to get to. But…would it really be that hard (not to cancel), but to simply postpone the Olympics until the athletes’ health can be deemed safe?

The U.S. could “scream” for a postponement. Would it matter? Would the games go on? Yes, most likely, and other countries will simply be silent (apparently) about the problems that come hand-in-hand with this disgusting Rio experience. To keep one up on the news, the water situation has become even worse, if that’s humanly possible. Even ESPN’s “Mike & Mike” are taking action, and trying to bring the liars to light when it comes to these horrific health issues that no one seems to be changing.

The Zika-virus outbreak is causing our CDC to blanch at the prospects that the disease could infect millions and will be brought back to the U.S. borders by athletes who just wanted to compete. Even the World Health Organization has publicly declared that the Zika outbreak from the disgusting water is a national emergency, while Brazil’s sports minister set forth a statement regarding how his government was committed to ensuring that the games take place in an atmosphere of “security and tranquility.” Oddly enough, not in a “healthy” atmosphere. (Just a reminder: Tranquility is also a term given “in death.”)

WHO says they have no good screening test to protect the blood supply, which means if a pregnant or fertile woman gets exposed to Zika transfusion may be impossible. There is no vaccine as of yet, and no way to kill the mosquitoes carrying the virus. If the games were postponed six to nine months, these things could be found.

Scheduled to begin this August, better control over the Zika virus by then looks more than iffy. Of course athletes are willing to risk infection for an Olympic gold medal, but the athletes are not the only ones who will be there. Fans aplenty go to the Olympics and then RETURN home with whatever souvenir they may have gotten. And this virus is one souvenir that may not be able to be stopped once spread.

Rio’s Olympic waters are heavily polluted with human sewage, and what boggles the mind is that in its bid for the Olympics, Rio vowed to clean up the city’s water and provide improved sewage sanitation. Officials have now dropped the lies and acknowledged that the vow they made will not be carried out. A new sewage facility has been built at the Marina da Glória, where Olympic sailing events will be held, but there is far more work to be done if good health is to be provided.

And that’s not even all the problems that exist. There are major concerns regarding the infrastructure where the games will be held. Some say there is no way that will be ready on time either. Only 10% (reported in May) of 56 Olympic constructions, overlay and energy projects were even finished. Now, Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes announced all Olympic venues would be delivered on time for the games, which is a feat he referred to as “a miracle.” He cannot say that for the water.

Add to this the economic crisis in Brazil, a country facing its worst recession since the 1930s.

All budgets, including that of the Olympics, are being slashed. Olympic organizers are trying to find cash, looking to cut approximately $530 million (U.S.) from the $1.9 billion operating budget. Cuts include reducing food and travel costs for Olympic officials, but at one point Brazil organizers were actually thinking of charging athletes for air conditioning.

Now, add on the political problems. The impeachment of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff (reported by The Associated Press) has been screamed for by protesters. A congressional committee is considering the impeachment based on Rousseff allegedly violating budget laws to increase spending during her 2014 re-election campaign.

And if you want a little corruption added into this really bad movie, several major Brazilian construction firms who are responsible for the majority of Olympic infrastructure projects, have been implicated in the scandal that has become the Rio Olympic Games.

In other words, from lies to treachery; from deceit to the worst issue – the harm that WILL come to athletes if competing – Rio has already proven that they will be the worst possible Olympic Games ever to be played.

The outdoor enthusiast finally has a rugged, waterproof option when it comes to high-quality stereo sound. With built-in Bluetooth audio streaming, AM/FM radio and USB audio playback, STEREOACTIVE is packed with features. Engineered in New Zealand, the new compact system is designed for the challenges of life on the water or exposure to the elements and tuned to deliver crystal clear audio that enhances any activity. Featuring the unique Puck mount system, users can easily and securely attach the stereo to any surface, such as an RV exterior, cooler, outdoor cooking space, paddleboard, kayak, canoe, boat or even hot tub. To keep valuables safe from the elements, FUSION has also offered the ACTIVESAFE which, when combined with STEREOACTIVE, will securely house any smartphone, vehicle keys, bank cards, or loose change.

Virtually every angler on the water these days is well aware that boat docks hold bass throughout the year. However, not all anglers approach dock fishing with the correct tackle and strategy to make the most of their time on the water. Fine-tuning your approach by reaching all fish-holding zones and identifying patterns can definitely lead to higher catch rates and bigger fish. Read More…
Learn More at Z Man Fishing

After the Strike World record-holders will quickly agree there is much more to skilled angling than simply finding and hooking a fish. The battle, especially with large, powerful game fish, Read More…
Visit Yamaha Outboards.com

Take the Trip of a Life Time
Take a short drive south of New Orleans, and you come to the southernmost point in Louisiana. It’s Venice and being at the end of the road is just the beginning of your trip for world-class yellowfin tuna fishing
Visit Home Run Charters

Live bait rigged to stay on or near the surface is enticing as well. Predators push bait to the top during an attack, so a nervous morsel suspended under a kite, balloon or cork is always easy pickings. Baits hooked through the nose, or dorsal fin will stay near the surface whereas those hooked in the stomach or lower tail tend to swim downward. Trolled baits and lures serve the same purpose. The combination of splashing and bubbles, often in conjunction with teasers, help draw the game fish into the surface strike zone Read More…